Leon F. (Lee) Ellis

By zthanson, 14 September, 2022
First Name
Leon
Middle Name
F.
Last Name
Ellis
Birthdate
Hometown
Commerce, Georgia
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
PreCapture Description

Lee Ellis was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC Program at the University of Georgia, completed Undergraduate Pilot Training, and was awarded his pilot wings at Moody AFB, Georgia in August 1966. After completing F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training, Lieutenant Ellis was assigned to the 432nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at George AFB, California. He deployed to Southeast Asia in July 1967, and served with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Da Nang AB in the Republic of Vietnam until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam while flying his 68th combat mission on November 7, 1967.

Post Release Image
Man in a suit and tie in front of military memorabilia.
Post Release Description

Captain Ellis was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. He completed T-38 Pilot Instructor Training and served as an Instructor Pilot at Moody AFB, Georgia, and with the 560th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph. He then served as Chief of Stan/Eval for the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph. After graduating from Armed Forces Staff College in July 1978, Ellis served as a Staff Officer with Headquarters Air Training Command, followed by service as Commander of the 560th Flying Training Squadron. Colonel Ellis attended Air War College from July 1982 to June 1983, and then served as Wing Chief and Vice Commandant of Squadron Officer School. His final assignment was as Commander of the Air Force ROTC Detachment at the University of Georgia from July 1986 until his retirement from the Air Force on February 1, 1990. After his retirement from the Air Force, Lee founded Leadership Freedom, a consulting and product company focused on developing leaders at all levels. Lee Ellis is also the author of the award-winning book Leading With Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton. He and his wife Mary reside in Atlanta, GA and have four children and six grandchildren.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star (2)
  • Legion of Merit (2)
  • Bronze Star
  • Meritorious Service Medal (3)
  • Purple Heart
  • Air Medal (9)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Additional Asset 1
image3.jpg (9.75 KB)
Asset 1 Caption
Leading with Honor book cover by Lee Ellis.
Passed away before release
Post Release